4 Scents You Can Use To Deter Squirrels From Your Home

It’s easy to become frustrated when you find damage that squirrels have done to your home. From creating nests to digging up gardens, these critters can be a nuisance to homeowners.

Fortunately, there is a way to keep these pests away without using traps. Certain odors can be highly effective in eliminating their presence. Read on to learn about four scents you can use to deter squirrels from your home.

Peppermint

Although you may love the smell of peppermint in gum or candy, squirrels do not. The intensity of its strong, menthol-like aroma overwhelms their sensitive noses. This discomfort encourages squirrels to steer clear of areas where the scent is present. Not only is peppermint effective against squirrels, but it also repels other pests, such as mice, making it a versatile and eco-friendly option for pest control.

Try applying peppermint oil to cotton balls and placing them in areas where squirrels are active, such as attics, crawlspaces, or around the perimeter of your home. Peppermint has the added benefit of leaving a fresh, clean smell in the areas where you use it.

This makes it a particularly appealing option for indoor spaces that may see frequent squirrel activity. By consistently applying peppermint oil or spray in problem areas, you can significantly reduce the presence of squirrels and enhance the protection of your property.

Coffee

You may savor the robust and slightly bitter aroma of coffee brewing in the morning, but squirrels find it unpleasant, making it another excellent choice for deterring them. Most households can easily access used coffee grounds, making this an inexpensive and sustainable deterrent method. Beyond its effectiveness, using coffee grounds also offers the benefit of recycling kitchen waste and repurposing it for pest control.

To utilize coffee grounds, simply scatter them around areas where squirrels are causing trouble. For example, you can spread them around garden beds, along fences, and near entry points to your home. Over time, the coffee grounds will break down and improve your soil’s quality, making it a win-win situation for gardeners.

Garlic

The strong, pungent smell of garlic can also help you rid your home of squirrels. The sulfuric compounds in garlic are particularly off-putting to these creatures. This provides you with an affordable and widely available solution for keeping squirrels out of unwanted areas.

One way to spread the scent of garlic is to make a homemade spray using fresh garlic cloves. Crush several cloves of garlic and place them in water before letting them sit overnight.

In addition, drop some dish soap in the solution so that it will better stick to surfaces. Once you have strained the mixture, transfer it to a spray bottle and apply it to areas such as garden beds, outdoor furniture, and entry points to your home.

An alternative method for using garlic is to plant garlic bulbs directly in your garden. Squirrels tend to avoid garden areas where the smell of garlic is prominent, making this a longer-lasting option for protecting your plants. Additionally, garlic plants can double as a functional and edible crop, adding further value to your garden.

Capsaicin

One last deterrent you can try is hot pepper, which features capsaicin. This ingredient gives peppers their spicy flavor and is highly irritating to squirrels when they come into contact with it. Homeowners have multiple options for harnessing the power of hot pepper as a squirrel deterrent. One popular method is to create a spray solution by mixing hot pepper flakes or powdered cayenne with water.

You can apply this solution directly to surfaces such as fences, outdoor furniture, and even the soil around plants to create a highly effective barrier. Another option is to sprinkle powdered cayenne or crushed pepper flakes directly in areas where squirrels tend to congregate or cause damage.

Take caution when using hot pepper as a deterrent, since accidental contact with your skin, eyes, or mucous membranes can be painful. Wearing gloves during application can help prevent accidental exposure and ensure safe handling.

Tips for Maximizing Your Results

Now that you know four scents you can use to deter squirrels from your home, it’s time to look at some tips that will help you achieve the best results. Putting these tips into practice can maximize the effectiveness of your peppermint, coffee, garlic, and hot pepper scents and keep these unwanted irritants away from your property.

Use Them With Other Deterrents

Although scent-based methods can be effective on their own, you can amplify their impact on squirrels by combining them with other deterrents. For example, consider applying the scents to physical barriers to make these areas even more discouraging to those pesky squirrels.

You can spray the odors on visual deterrents, such as fake owls or reflective tape. This technique gives your home a multi-pronged approach to its security and makes it more difficult for squirrels to stick around.

Don’t Use Them on Plants You Eat

It’s also wise to avoid applying scents such as garlic or hot pepper directly on plants that you plan to eat. Residue from these substances can alter the flavor of your produce and may cause unintended irritation when consumed.

Instead, focus on applying the deterrents to the soil surrounding your plants, as well as nearby surfaces. This will keep your plants safe for consumption while still protecting your home from squirrels.

Reapply Them After Rainfall

When rain falls, it can quickly diminish the potency of scent-based deterrents, so it is crucial to reapply them after these events. Performing regular maintenance will ensure these scents remain strong and effective in keeping squirrels at bay. You should also check problem areas periodically and refresh the deterrents as needed to help maintain consistent protection for your home and property.

Legacy Rodent Control Can Also Help You Keep Squirrels Away

Now you know how these scent-based solutions can protect your property from damage. However, if you want a more permanent solution for your squirrel problems, don’t hesitate to call Legacy Rodent Control today.

When you use our squirrel removal services in Fort Worth, we will take great care to resolve your issues humanely while completing work efficiently. Contact us today to find out how we can remove these pests from your property.